Combined Force Captures Insurgent Facilitator

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator, killed one insurgent and detained two other insurgents during an operation in the Sayyidabad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator and IMU leaders in the area were planning large-scale attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the Kabul, Wardak and Logar districts, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force detained two insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in the Muqer district of Ghazni province. The Taliban leader planned and supervised roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also provided weapons and ammunition to insurgents.

-- In the Now Zad district of Helmand province, a combined force detained two suspects and seized 30 pounds of opium during a search for a senior Taliban leader. The leader directs roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is suspected of directing insurgent attempts to infiltrate Afghan security forces for assassinations of Afghan officials, Afghan troops and coalition forces.

-- An Afghan-led security force detained two suspects while searching for a Taliban facilitator in the Tarnek wa Jaldak district of Zabul province. The facilitator supplies weapons, ammunition, and equipment to insurgents in Kandahar province for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also coordinates the movement of suicide bombers.

-- An Afghan-led security force detained several suspects during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Bak district of Khost province. The leader organized roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Haqqani leader in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Khost province. The leader plans and directs attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the province. He also organizes the movement of weapons and ammunition from Pakistan to insurgents operating in Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

Afghan and coalition forces killed 11 insurgents, wounded one insurgent and discovered a weapons cache during operations in eastern Afghanistan.

-- Afghan soldiers and coalition forces killed six insurgents and wounded one insurgent in the Nurgal district of Kunar province.